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A lithium-ion battery has been developed by a team of researchers at Stanford University, which they claim to be incombustible. The researchers revealed that the new battery will not catch fire. The development has taken place owing to a series of fire incidents that have occurred due to devices operated by the rechargeable batteries.

According to health officials, less cases of influenza has been reported this winter in Illinois in comparison to recent years.

The Illinois Department of Public Health data showed that there were 49 flu-related intensive care unit admissions and two outbreaks in the time period December 20 to 26. Around the same time during previous year, there were 323 ICU admissions and 70 outbreaks across the state.

Health officials said that there was a decline in flu reports because the influenza virus stays for longer time in the cold weather.

Allison Arwady, chief medical officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health, said, “We know that the virus itself does live longer when it's colder or when it's dry out. The idea is, when it's milder, the agent is not living as long”.

The Nebraska Health and Human Services Department has provided grant funding to the Central District Health Department to start a radon awareness drive under the Environmental Protection Agency, recognizing January as National Radon Action Month.

The Central District Health Department has decided to give radon test kits to the residents of Hall, Hamilton and Merrick County free of charge, for National Radon Action Month. The tests include free lab analysis and postage-paid envelopes.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that occurs naturally. It has been identified as a main cause of lung cancer, coming next to just cigarette smoking, in the United States.

A special programme targeting adolescents against HIV/Aids has been launched in Homa Bay by the local government in association with Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (EGPAF).

Through the campaign, the government wants to ensure that maximum youth, especially adolescents, are sensitised on HIV and Aids in the county, and that the targeted population knows their HIV status and, if needed, goes in for treatment.

The county director of EGPAF, Eliud Mwangi, said a large number of youth in the county are not aware about their health status and most of them may be vulnerable to the virus.

NHS has announced to give specialist help to every pregnant and new mother for psychological problems linked to childbirth. The new move is a part of British Prime Minister David Cameron's promised 'revolution' in mental health.

On Monday, Cameron may announce to end the postcode lottery that don't allow many women who experience mental conditions like depression to receive vital treatment that helps in reducing maternal suicide risks and protect babies. As per reports, more than quarters of the 40,000 women every year do not receive such special treatments.

In an attempt to identify early-stage cancers, Gene sequencing company Illumina Inc announced Sunday to start a new company called Grail. It will work to develop a universal blood test capable of detecting early stage cancers in individuals without any symptoms of the disease.

Illumina also revealed to spend more than $100 million in Series A financing where the San Diego-based biotechnology company will be majority owner. Apart from Illumina, key investors will be Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, while Sutter Hill Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners may be in backing.